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Acupuncture for Weight Loss

This is a question I am often asked, can acupuncture help with weight loss?

The first thing to point out is that weight gain is symptom, not an illness. In Chinese medicine, symptoms are like the branches of the tree. The root is what causes branches to grow and if we are looking for permanent change it is the root we must influence. For example, if we cut the branches of a tree to stop it growing they will grow back. If however we dig out the root the tree will no longer grow.

The root of weight gain could be physical or emotional. In fact weight gain may not be a problem at all but the response to it emanating from issues of low self esteem or lack of confidence. It is important to understand and treat these issues.

Take time to consider any claim that acupuncture can “cure” weight problems. Certain types of treatment can deal with addictive symptoms but whilst this may be helpful in some cases it is not a “one size fits all” solution.

As a holistic practitioner my approach is to treat the whole person, not just the symptom. This is root and branch acupuncture or, in Chinese, the Ben and Biao and in my opinion the most effective means of influencing long term positive changes in mental and physical health.

I hope this helps to clarify my position on the issue but if it remains ambiguous I am happy to clarify either privately or by opening up a discussion on this blog.